Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether, in the context of the study carried out in the North of Ireland which showed 230 criminal gangs operating there, it would be beneficial to carry out a similar study in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14184/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand that the data referred to by the Deputy are contained in a report of the Northern Ireland organised crime task force, specifically its threat assessment and strategy for 2004, which was published recently. I am informed that the source of the information on criminal gangs is data collected by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and its assessment of the threat there from organised crime.

The Garda authorities have informed me that similar data on organised crime is collected by the Garda Síochána on an ongoing basis and similar threat assessments are also made in this jurisdiction. The Garda uses specialised criminal intelligence analysis in investigations into the activities of organised criminals operating in the State. The estimation of the number of organised criminal groups existing at any given time forms part of criminal intelligence analysis which is an ongoing process in the Garda Síochána. The Garda compiles an annual report on organised crime groups in Ireland based on intelligence and criminal investigations. The Garda authorities also provide data on organised crime in Ireland to Europol for inclusion in its annual report of the organised crime situation across the EU.